Spring farmers' market set for April 15-May 20

Posted April 4, 2008; 10:44 a.m.

by Eric Quiñones

Following a successful debut in the fall, the campus farmers' market at Firestone Plaza will return this spring for six weeks, open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays from April 15 through May 20.

Members of the University and local communities will have an opportunity to purchase fresh locally grown produce and other goods from area farmers and businesses that use sustainable practices. Items available will include organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef and lamb, free-range poultry and eggs, seafood, cheeses, breads, baked goods, ice cream and coffee.

The farmers' market was launched over four weeks in September and October, and now is intended to run each fall and spring. It is an initiative of Greening Princeton, a student organization devoted to improving environmental sustainability, and is staffed by volunteers from the group.

"With the enormous success of the fall market and the widespread support of the entire University and community, our planning for the spring was particularly fun and exciting," said senior Kathryn Andersen, who founded and organized the market with junior Ruthie Schwab. "I am continually reminded that a farmers' market is not a grocery store, but a celebration of local, sustainable and delicious food straight from its producers."

The Department of Dining Services will have a table at the market featuring cooking demonstrations by Princeton chefs. Visitors can learn more about sustainability efforts at the University through informational tables from groups such as Greening Princeton, the Office of Sustainability and the Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI). University Health Services and the Frist Campus Center also will have informational tables. In addition, the market will feature live music performed by Princeton students and activities for children.

The market was created out of discussions by the Greening Dining Group, a partnership between Greening Princeton and Dining Services. It also is sponsored by the Office of Community and Regional Affairs, PEI, the Office of Sustainability, the Department of Building Services, the Department of Grounds and Building Maintenance, the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, the Pace Center and the Undergraduate Student Government Projects Board.